Heavy rain, strong winds predicted for Western Washington

Forecasters say a series of storms bringing rain and damaging wind will hit Western Washington Wednesday night through Sunday.

The National Weather Service in Seattle says the heaviest rain is predicted for Thursday and Saturday with over three inches of rain expected in Seattle. Higher amounts are expected in the Olympic Mountains and along the coast.

Waves of up to 36 feet in places along the coast could also occur Saturday. Because of that, meteorologist Andy Haner told The Seattle Times there's a potential for life-threatening conditions on beaches with flooding and flying debris.

Damaging winds could start arriving Thursday with predicted gusts of up to 50 mph.

Haner says the storms are not unprecedented this time of year but the high frequency is somewhat unusual.